Over 3,900 types of goods transported via China-Laos Railway

Kunming (ANTARA) - Latest data from Kunming Customs in southwest China’s Yunnan Province shows that as of 30 June 2026, the types of goods transported via the China-Laos Railway have reached more than 3,900, covering new energy vehicles (NEVs), tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, and traditional Chinese medicine. This figure marks a significant increase from around 10 types of goods at the start of the route’s operation. Jiang Wei, manager of a customs brokerage company in Yunnan, said the opening of the China-Laos Railway has encouraged Chinese companies to expand into the ASEAN market. Furthermore, the range of traded goods has continued to grow to include fresh fruit and NEVs. According to customs data, in the first half (H1) of 2026, the value of import-export cargo via the China-Laos Railway reached 17.17 billion yuan (1 yuan = Rp2,649), an increase of 33.8 percent year-on-year (yoy). Of that amount, the export value of the ‘new trio’, namely NEVs, lithium batteries, and solar panels, reached 2.14 billion yuan, surging 348.5 percent (yoy). Shipments via the route have now reached 19 countries and regions, serving more than 7,000 foreign trade operating units in China. Kunming customs authorities are also continuously optimising customs procedures, including by introducing early cargo manifest submission services and implementing more digital and intelligent inspection equipment to shorten customs clearance times.